PHOTOS: Festival of All Saints in downtown Tyler

Published 4:24 pm Tuesday, October 31, 2023

A Christian festival was held Sunday in the downtown Tyler square.

In the days before Hallowtide, the three days that begin with All Hallows Eve on Oct. 31, Christian church communities came together to pray and offer entertainment to the greater Tyler area.

The Catholic Bishop of Tyler, Joseph E. Strickland, together with other area pastors and community faith leaders led prayer, worship and talks to promote the Christian origins of Halloween.

There were food trucks, arts and crafts, performances by dance groups and Christian bands and choirs.

The Festival of All Saints was inspired by Bishop Strickland as a means to bring together the entire Christian community to promote the Christian meaning behind Halloween. The Bishop hopes this event can be conducted annually on the square to bring all people of the Christian faith together to worship, pray and share community.

Throughout the afternoon there were games, cake walks, Christian art, photo booths and food trucks available for entertainment.

Organizers said despite the rain, the event had a great turnout.